Category: 4-H

Once a quiet spot with little 4-H activity, Fort Mill has blossomed into a thriving hub of youth development and community engagement. The Fort Mill 4-H Community Club has grown to nearly 50 active members, supported by 11 dedicated volunteers, creating a vibrant space where young people learn, lead, and give back.

Reviving 4-H in Fort Mill

Recognizing the need to reconnect youth with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities, Extension staff and volunteers worked to rebuild the 4-H presence in Fort Mill. Through dedicated outreach and engaging programming, the club has quickly become a favorite for youth eager to explore STEM, agriculture, and leadership.

A Garden Grows with Community Spirit

Youth-Driven and Youth-Led

What sets Fort Mill 4-H apart is its emphasis on youth voice and leadership. All activities are planned and led by the young members themselves, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and community impact. From STEM projects to poultry care and leadership workshops, Fort Mill youth are at the helm.

Serving the Community and Building Life Skills

Looking Forward

Fort Mill 4-H is more than a club — it’s a launching pad for future leaders, innovators, and community advocates. With continued support and engagement, this thriving club will keep inspiring youth to grow their skills, confidence, and commitment to making a difference.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

As the school year comes to a close, York County 4-H is excited to celebrate a fantastic year of growth and learning through our Afterschool Clubs. This year, over 350 youth across York County engaged in hands-on 4-H programming, discovering new skills, exploring agriculture, and building confidence in safe, supportive environments.

Our clubs reached students at the following schools:

• Bethany Elementary
• Bethel Elementary
• Clover Middle School (6th–8th grade)
• Ebinport Elementary
• Griggs Road Elementary
• Herald C Johnson Elementary
• Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary
• Larne Elementary
• Lesslie Elementary
• Midway Christian Academy
• Mt. Holly Elementary
• Riverwalk Academy (3rd–8th grade)

Celebrating Success Across York County

At Bethany Elementary, the Bethany Buds After School Club wrapped up their year with a “MOO-velous” celebration focused on dairy cattle. Thanks to Stacie and Hallie Jean Harris for bringing Piper the cow and teaching our youth about showing dairy cattle! Appreciation also goes to Ms. Guerin for supporting all our “crazy plans,” the dedicated parents who support 4-H, volunteers who stay after school every month, and Crossroads Cafe at McGill’s for treating everyone to ice cream.

Meanwhile, at Mount Holly Elementary, our 4-H club closed the year with an energetic “Ag Olympics.” Students competed in farm-themed relay races, celebrating teamwork and healthy competition. This event was made possible by the wonderful support of Ms. Ramsey, Agriculture Teacher at ATC, and two graduating ATC seniors who helped run the activities. It was a fun and fitting finale to a year filled with growth.

Across all schools, youth have engaged in diverse projects — from gardening and raising animals to crafts and nutrition lessons — designed to spark curiosity and build life skills like leadership, responsibility, and public speaking.

The Power of Community

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our 4-H volunteers, parents, teachers, and community partners. Their commitment helps create meaningful experiences that inspire our young people to explore their interests, try new things, and develop into confident leaders.

As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we are also looking forward to the future. York County 4-H Afterschool Clubs expect continued growth, fueled by strong community support and exciting new opportunities on the horizon.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success — we can’t wait to continue nurturing the next generation of leaders through 4-H!

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

Caroline plans to major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson, aligning perfectly with her interests in agriculture and animal care—interests that have been further nurtured through her 4-H experiences. Whether she’s competing on the range or preparing for a future in animal sciences, Caroline continues to make York County proud.

We look forward to seeing Caroline represent both York County and Clemson University on the national stage and wish her continued success in her collegiate shooting career.

Congratulations, Caroline—we’ll be rooting for you every step of the way!

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.

York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

York County 4-H is celebrating a major milestone—we’ve officially enrolled over 600 youth for the 2024–2025 4-H year! This exciting benchmark represents more than just a number. It’s a sign of a thriving, diverse program that’s capturing the hearts and curiosity of young people across the county.

And this is only the beginning.

Kristin Kunde 

York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St. York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

4-H Journalism Project Takes Off
This fall, we launched the York County 4-H Journalism Project, giving youth the opportunity to dive into the world of media and storytelling. Participants are learning about interviewing, photography, and article writing while covering local 4-H events. Through this project, they are developing valuable communication skills and gaining hands-on experience in journalism. We look forward to seeing their stories come to life and sharing their work with the community!

Celebrating Agriculture Month
November was all about agriculture in York County 4-H! As part of Agriculture Month, we hosted special activities highlighting the importance of farming and local food production. Our 4-H’ers participated in farm visits, hands-on workshops, and educational sessions about livestock, crops, and sustainability. This month-long celebration reinforced the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and inspired youth to explore careers in the ag industry.

York County 4-H at the SC Women in Agriculture Conference
Nine York County 4-H’ers and 4-H alumni had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 South Carolina Women in Agriculture Conference. This event provided valuable networking, mentorship, and learning experiences for our young leaders interested in agriculture. Their participation highlights the impact of 4-H in fostering future agricultural professionals and advocates.

Swine Project Nears Completion
We are nearing the end of our annual Swine Project, with over 80 pigs in this year’s program. This initiative continues to grow, offering youth hands-on experience in animal care, responsibility, and agricultural education. We are excited to see the project’s continued expansion and the skills our participants develop along the way.

Celebrating 2025 SC Miss 4-H: Dacy Freeman
A big congratulations to Dacy Freeman, who has been named the 2025 South Carolina Miss 4-H! Her dedication to 4-H and leadership within the program exemplify the best of what 4-H has to offer. We are proud to have her represent York County at the state level.
Robinson McDaniel and Jethro Yost were also crowned at the 2025 SC 4-H Showcase. Both youth are York County 4-Hers.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the summer, we are excited about the day-camp and overnight camp opportunities that York County 4-H’ers will have. These experiences provide youth with unforgettable learning, leadership, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Thank you to everyone who supports York County 4-H—we couldn’t do it without you!

Kristin Kunde 
York County 4-H Agent 
Cooperative Extension
Clemson University

120 N. Congress St.
York, SC 29745

w 803-639-9102
kkunde@clemson.edu

A Collaborative Effort

Mark Cathcart

As a 4-H agent I try to figure out how to promote our organization, give back to our communities, and of course, pay for it all. Every now and then an opportunity comes along that can help with each of these goals.  Just such an opportunity came to Union 4-H with the collaboration of “Forged in 4-H” and the Union County Agricultural Fair.

“Forged In 4-H” is a program designed to teach metallurgy and blacksmithing skills in a safe manner, with the use of chemistry, geometry, physics, math, and hands on projects.  This program uses learning techniques that allow students to experience and learn the trade of blacksmithing in a modern and traditional manner.

As an update, Forged in 4-H is now housed in a building located on the Union County Fairgrounds. The use of this building was donated to Union County 4-H for the purpose of teaching blacksmithing, as well as providing a new and interesting exhibit for the Fair. Along with the modern blacksmithing equipment, a new 1800’s style blacksmith shop has been constructed in part of the building.  This allows the teaching of blacksmithing on a completely different aspect and level. In addition to the educational aspect of this project, it will give the opportunity to the patrons of the Union County Agricultural Fair, Union County Farm Show, and other events held here to see how blacksmithing was done then and now. 

Not only will this program be an asset to Union County, but it will also further set Union County 4-H apart from other 4-H programs in the state.  No other county has the equipment to conduct such a program.  It will create a draw for people outside of Union to come to our county, as it is unique to this area of the state. It will afford visitors the opportunity to see demonstrations, by 4-H youth, with modern blacksmithing equipment, as well as how blacksmithing was done 200 years ago in the same building.

It will soon be time for our 4^th annual Peach Country Livestock Expo!  This partnership between Spartanburg and Cherokee County 4-H provides a much-needed opportunity for our area youth to exhibit their animals during the spring season.

Each year the event has seen growth in youth participants, species exhibited, and community sponsors.  For 2025 we have added a Dairy Goat Show and a Horse Show!  Last year we hosted almost 70 youth exhibitors and hope that with the addition of two new species that we are able to increase that number to 100 this year!

The show is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.  Please join us to cheer on our 4-H and FFA youth!

The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, March 21^st at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds
  • 6:00pm – Market Swine Show
• Saturday, March 22^nd at the Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds
  • 11:00am – Beef Cattle Show
  • 2:00pm – Rabbit Show and Chicken Show
  • 5:00pm – Dairy Goat Show
• Saturday, April 26^th at Croft State Park
  • Time TBA – Horse Show

For more information about the show (to attend, enter, or sponsor) please contact Laura Haddon by email at lhaddon@clemson.edu or by phone at (864) 596-2993.

Bryan Smith

We are happy to announce that Mrs. Lauren Smith has accepted the Laurens County 4-H Agent position.  Her first day was March 3, 2025. 

Lauren has a B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from Clemson University.  She has spent the past several years working as the Outdoor Program Manager with the Girls Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands (based in Spartanburg), providing over 40 programs each year as well as hiring and training seasonal staff.

We are excited to have her in Laurens County.  Welcome, Lauren!

Jackie Jordan Urban Horticulture

Join us as we grow together, one pot at a time!

The Pots of Possibilities Series is a container gardening program designed to help combat food insecurity and promote sustainability in Fairfield County.

Offering classes each spring and fall, this initiative provides residents of all ages with the tools and knowledge to grow their own food in small spaces. The program is completely free of charge, but spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your place in this hands-on, community-driven experience.

For more information, check out The Pots of Possibilities Series Flyer

Martina Wicker 4-H Youth Development

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of several new 4-H clubs, offering even more opportunities for our youth to grow, learn, and engage in hands-on experiences in various fields of interest. 

1. Horse Club – Hosted by Joyner Family Horse Farms 
This exciting new club provides youth with the chance to connect with horses and develop their skills in equestrian activities. From interactions with horses to learning about horse care, this club offers an invaluable experience for young people passionate about animals. A special thank you to our volunteer, Mr. Jimmy Joyner, for opening his barn and sharing his experience and expertise with our youth.  

2. Farm & Family Club – Hosted by Crazy Chic Heritage Farms 
The Farm & Family Club is all about fostering a love for agriculture and understanding the importance of farming in our communities. This club focuses on the showmanship of poultry and encouraging youth to build strong family connections through farm-related activities. 4-H volunteers Abbie & Shaun Kowalke do a phenomenal job of helping to foster the love for agriculture and poultry.  

3. Midlands STEM Charter School 4-H Club 
The Midlands STEM Charter School 4-H Club focuses on hands-on learning projects and exploration of all that 4-H has to offer. The youth in this club have already been very busy planting a tree at the school for Arbor Day, working on passion projects, and will soon begin planting seeds to help with our Fairfield Container Gardening classes. Teachers, Courtney Corby and Lauren Beck, do a miraculous job of organizing, fundraising, and hosting the club.  

4. Farm Animals & Sustainability Club – Hosted by Set in Stone Sustainability Farm 
This club is dedicated to educating our youth on sustainable farming practices, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the showmanship of swine. Youth will gain firsthand experience in managing farm animals while learning how sustainable practices can protect our planet for future generations. A special thank you for SeVen Stone for opening her farm and heart to the youth of Fairfield County.  

5. Homeschool Club 
Recognizing the diversity of learning environments, the Homeschool Club brings together 4-H members who are homeschooled for community building, learning, and shared experiences. While this club is titled “Homeschool Club”, it is open to all youth. This club is a great opportunity for homeschool families to engage with one another and the broader 4-H community.